The Boro boss is back in charge for the promotion clash against Hull on Friday night after being ordered to stay away from the team last weekend.

Karanka was on the brink last weekend after a bust up with his players, and a fiery team meeting on Friday when it was thought he reign could be over.

In a bizarre stand off, he wasn't in charge for the defeat to Charlton at the weekend, but a 20 minute meeting with chairman Steve Gibson, and a clear the air meeting with his players to heal the rift, has settled the situation this week.

Karanka said: “Do you think I had left after last Thursday press conference when I said I don't care about Valencia rumours because I signed a deal for four years?

“Do you think I want to leave when I am in the office on Saturday morning preparing for the game? Do you think if I wanted to leave I would be here to day after losing, when it has made it more difficult?

“When a team is not committed with the manager and coach they play on the pitch, they fly (when he is not there). My players didn't play on the pitch (last Sunday).